Friday, September 30, 2011

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

This evening begins the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people-- the start of the Jewish New Year. It's a beautiful holiday; a period of reflection and introspection. It's a time to look back at the past year and seek forgiveness from those you have wronged.

I am certain that most struggle with their first holiday without a loved one. This is the first holiday I'll be celebrating without my mom. Mom always arrived at the synagogue hours early to sit in solitude, and of course, get a good seat. She loved listening to the beautiful music and chanting of the Cantor. When I was young I used to get angry having to go to temple that early, but now I think I understand.

It's surreal thinking back on the memories of our entire family sitting around the table reigning in the New Year with the traditional foods such as apples and honey, symbolizing a sweet year. One by one, they've all passed on, and now the holiday will never feel quite the same. So on this bittersweet Rosh Hashanah I will reflect on the past, holding its memories near and dear, looking to the future with hope.

So my friends, to all who celebrate, wishing you and your families a sweet year full of health, happiness, and peace. Shana Tova!

Monday, September 26, 2011

But, of course they are! What other breed looks so regal dining with you?

When I was ten years old my parents bought me my first dog. It was a Toy Poodle, because (as Mom said) Poodles don't shed. I named him "Fluffy." From that point on, I've had a strong love for Poodles.

I've been told that Poodles "aren't real dogs" and that they're hyper and yappy. No, no, no, no. This breed is incredibly smart, playful and loving.

Originally bred as gun dogs, Poodles soon became beautiful elegant companions for the glamorous and creative community as well as the Royals.

When we bought our dog Vito (as in Vito Corleone from The Godfather--he's a fierce little guy), it was instant love. I thought it would be funny if he could dance the "Can-Can," but that didn't go over too well. Shouldn't a French Poodle be able to dance?

I'll admit, I'm not terribly fond of the "topiary" Poodle clip. There are so many cute clips, so Vito sports a "puppy cut."

Both Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette had beautiful Miniature Poodles.

Even Dame Elizabeth Taylor owned Poodles!

What breed is more fashionable than the Poodle, huh? (insert laughing out loud)

No other dog can match their uniqueness-- their prancing paws, perhaps a bit of an attitude sometimes. Poodles always remain my favorite breed. Now let's have a bit of brie, shall we?

Yep, Paris Hotel Boutique has a Facebook page. You may already be a "fan," or perhaps not even interested in Facebook, or just inundated with social marketing altogether, but in the event you're not...

Well, I have just the book for you. Taschen recently published, Menu Design in America: 1850-1985. This hardcover book explores the golden age of design and dining through 800 menus, beginning with the bills of fare for the very first restaurants that opened during the late 1800's.

I adore vintage menus. Collecting menus is a little pastime of mine. I have some favorites framed in my kitchen and little breakfast nook. Their beautiful graphics, history and content just thrill me. It's always fun to look at the prices back in the day.

Ooh, love this one from Bimbo's 365 Club, which still exists in San Francisco. I actually own this menu...

So, if you love old menus and restaurant history, pick up a copy of Menu Design in Americahere.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I must confess... I've been coveting bejeweled shoes. Perhaps it's the 1980s in me still craving a little glitz, but these Vera Wang shoes just send me.

Eye-balling the ballet flats. The pale hues with peep toes are divine...

They almost have a vintage feel to them, don't they? Love the faded pink snakeskin with sparking jewel clusters...

So, do I go with the peep toe or the closed toe?

This white is lovely, but not practical for San Francisco weather...

I couldn't decide which colors...they're all so beautiful. So I splurged a bit and ended up with the closed toe (above) in black. Just received them in the mail today and they're comfy as can be. Worth every costly penny. They match with everything and add that little bit of sparkle to a boring outfit!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

I regularly receive emails from people inquiring about how to care for their hotel silver or where to acquire specific pieces. I thought I'd try and answer some of the frequently asked questions and hope they help with your search.

my collection of coffee, teapots & pitchers

c. 1900 Reed & Barton catalog showcasing prototypes

c. 1900 Reed & Barton catalog showcasing rare pieces

Q. I'm looking for large items such as punch bowls and serving platters. Do you ever come across any?

A. Early pieces of hotel silver were primarily made for individual servings, such as small little teapots, coffee pots, serving dishes or butter pats --one for each guest. A small tureen could have been used for a single serving of soup, but can now be used to hold gravy or sauce. Back in the early 1900s, china was mixed with silver for serving. There weren't a lot of large-scale pieces. If they do exist, they are quite rare and costly.

assorted spoons

Q. I'm interested in purchasing 8, 10, 12-piece place settings of flatware. Do you carry that?

A. Hotel silver is getting more and more difficult to acquire. I generally come across individual pieces of flatware. Sometimes I get lucky and acquire a small set, but have never come across a complete table setting. I always suggest mixing and matching. It's more fun anyway!

sometimes I get lucky and acquire a "lot"

Q. I'm looking for a bulk lot of ______. Do you carry that?

A. As I mentioned above, hotel silver is hard to acquire. It's like mining for gold. You never know what you're going to find and from where. It's not often you come across a "lot" of one type of piece. However, if a hotel is liquidating, there is an occasional opportunity to purchase an entire "lot."

Q. Can you locate a piece of silver from the _____ Hotel?

A. Quite frankly...well (see above answer). I really wish there was a 1-800-hotelsilver number. I'd have a wonderful supply!

Q. How do I care for my hotel silver?

A. Actually, I did a blog post about that some time ago, referenced here. I swear by Hagerty Silver Foam!

Q. I need a piece repaired, what do I do?

A. I highly recommend a qualified silversmith. We have an excellent one here in San Francisco called Biro & Sons. I plan on devoting an entire post on their operation in the near future.

Hope that answered a few questions. If you have any more, please don't hesitate to ask!

This morning I was perusing one of my favorite blogs and she mentioned the Missoni collection for Target launching today. The curious person that I am, of course I had to mosey over to Target's website to check it out. Well, the site was down. See above photo. Target, down? That's big.

Turns out that there was quite a frenzy and everything sold out! Even Twitter (above) is going mad!

Look at this shopper (above) from New England with a full cart. She was reported screaming, hoarding and pushing! Does she really need dozens of zig zag dresses for her wardrobe?

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Friday, September 09, 2011

I'm honored to be part ofOne Kings LaneTastemaker Tag Sale beginning tomorrow morning. It's been in the works for awhile now and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you! We've included some AMAZING pieces at great prices...

If you're new to One Kings Lane, OKL partners with top brands and designers to give their members insider access to designer décor, fantastic gift selections, and exclusive tag sales curated by today's top tastemakers - at up to 70% off retail.

Paris Hotel Boutique will have major markdowns of items so please do check it out. This three day event starts tomorrow, September 10th at 8:00 am PST / 11:00 am EST. You must be a member ofOne Kings Laneto access the sale. And...membership is free!